ULLABENULLA

A Few More Masks...

A few more masks that I've been creating.  Fanciful fish and a gruff old goat!

Dragon Familiar at Healdsburg Center For The Arts

I've been invited to participate in a group textile show at the Healdsburg Center for the Arts, June 29th thru August 1st, 2011.  Along with my textile masks and jewelry, I will also be showing this 'Dragon Familiar Wrap' at the show.  I've always loved the idea of having a pet dragon that one keeps wraps around ones neck.  This one has scales of flame bubbled polyester, and bright pink silk wings. His face is created from a multitude of textiles, fur, felt balls and sequins. Although ferocious looking, he is actually quite friendly!

Mask Class At The Castle...

Yesterday I taught my 'Fabric Mask Class' at the Castle!  This class is so satisfying, as everyone goes home with a finished mask (some with 2)  and its always a treat for me to see what students come up with, when using my patterns.  The mask above is my Krampus pattern, but oh how wonderful the transformation! Below are a couple of 'Firebirds, a horned 'Greenman', 'Jackfrost' taking a Carnival twist, and a new student designed and created 'Tiger'!  Bravo!!!

 

Mask Class Results!

Last weekend I had 10 women join me in creating masks at a shop in Healdsburg called Fabrications. What fun we had!  Wonderful variations on the theme, like turning my 'JackFrost Mask' into a true Mardi Gras confection above, a couple of different Roosters, a Kestrel, and even a green Rabbit!  Just look at these amazing masks!

Bremen Town Musicians Mask...

Here is my latest mask, of the Bremen Town Muscians.  You look through the donkey eyes and wear the rest on top of your head!

I also made this Rabbit mask holding a moon - very oriental in feel...

Masks Galore!

I've been making Masks like crazy these days.  Many of them are now at the CASTLE.  But some will also be featured as a window display at FABRICATIONS in HEALDSBURG over the holidays.  (116 Matheson Street, downtown Healdsburg)  Here are a few of my favorites for you to see.

When my daughter saw the long earred owl and mouse above - she screamed "Oh Mom, thats Scary!"  So I made the mouse detachable with velcro - just in case you feel the same...

The little House Mask below, is my favorite design so far...  Inspired by gnome houses and gingerbread dreams - I hope it brings smiles...

This friendly Dog Mask, was inspired by a pug, but seems to resemble a bulldog... oh well...  Thats a lost red velvet slipper in his mouth - attached with velcro again, perhaps you could hang your extra 'lost socks' there instead...

This lovely Moth Mask is quite large - a real statement mask!  The colors on this one remind me of Venetian Sunsets...

The Swan Mask below, just spoke to have feathers added.  Perfect for one who dreams in ballet...

And who better to partner a Swan, than Jack Frost?  His Icy cold spirals glistening in snow...

Brain Storms and Such...

 

Sometimes absences are due to too much activity...  It's been crazy busy here at Ullabenulla.  I've been creating new samples for Spring classes (YES - Spring 2011!)  where does time go???  (Image above by Charles Grogg)  I will be doing Valentines classes at the Castle, as well as a Mardi Gras 'Mask' class.  I had so much fun creating these 'Firebird' and 'Greenman' samples, I'm itching to make some more - especially with Halloween just around the corner!

I also designed and made a new Lizard pin to go with my Chinoiserie Fish pin...

I am working on re-doing my popular 'Backgrounds Class' in a new format. Using a large Moleskine Japanese Foldout journal we'll spend a day creating beautifully detailed and multi-layered pages for a really artful journal experience!

More class samples in the works - the Castle hopes to have a new schedule available by early to mid November.

Just for fun, I've been playing with the idea of creating a 'Haunted Necklace', inspired by the season.  Its still in progress, especially after Teenage Daughter said:  "Oh Mom, it looks so Marie Antoinette!"  Not quite the reaction I was hoping for, but I'll keep trying.  I used cotton spider webbing as the base, and made 'beads' from Antique silver ribbon.  I also added old torn lace, pearls, hand-stitched baby cap pieces and a wonderful wavy yarn.  Haunted it may not be yet - but at least its keeping me occupied...    

Another project got started when I pulled out a wonderful old Joan Vass navy knit skirt that I purchased in 1986 in New York, the year I met my husband!  (We are big-time into recycling here at Ullabenulla!) Discovering some nasty little moth holes I decided to do some creative patching - 'slow stitching' for those in the know...  First a bird, then a flock, and finally an oak branch. Now to find time to do some 'slow beading' as well...

Chinoiserie Fabric Fish PDF Now Available on Etsy!

 

I have just listed my 'Chinoiserie Fabric Fish' brooch as a PDF on my Etsy.  This is the perfect project to use those tiny little bits of precious fabrics you have been saving for something special!  Inspired by a Chinese Baby Hat in my collection, Fish are symbolic for 'Abundance', 'Plenty' and 'Surplus' in China.  Wear one of these pins, or place it in your home, and you will surely attract thse traits!

To buy, use Etsy side bar to the right on this blog or Go Here!